Why gardening is great for older people of
all abilities

Tuesday 19th December, 2017

Gardening
is often a popular activity in retirement, and can be highly rewarding as well
as an excellent form of gentle exercise. The movements made while gardening can
help maintain flexibility and mobility, as well as encouraging the use of all
motor skills in the process. It’s also something that people can continue to
enjoy as they age, thanks to the many adaptations and modifications that can be
made to tools, beds and equipment.

Encouraging
gardening can be beneficial to both physical and mental health, and for an
older person who is maybe restricted in the other activities they can enjoy, it
can be an excellent way to focus their mind on something productive and fun.
However, it’s important to ensure that they can undertake this activity safely,
and without putting themselves at risk.

Considerations to help older people enjoy gardening safely

Although
gardening is a great hobby for older people of all ages, it’s important to keep
them safe when they are working in the garden. They may have some specific
requirements, depending on their state of health, so it’s worth thinking about
and preparing for their needs so that gardening doesn’t put them at unnecessary
risk. For example:

· Eyesight: Older people may struggle to
see as well as they used to, which can be exacerbated if the garden has areas
of light and shade. Making safe walkways with even surfaces can help them get
around, and using sunglasses or reactive lenses will assist them in coping with
glare from the sun.

· Balance: For an older person, a fall can
be disastrous. Their balance might not be as good as it once was, so it’s
important to reduce trip hazards and to maintain paths and walkways to stop
them becoming slippery. Providing grab rails by steps and ramps can also help
to avoid falls.

· Skin: The skin of an older person may be more
fragile, so it’s important they wear adequate protection from scrapes and
bruises. Encourage the use of gloves and other safety equipment, and use sun
cream and wide brimmed hats to avoid sunburn.

· Temperature: With a greater susceptibility
to dehydration and temperature changes, it’s important to make sure older
people stay hydrated and either warm or cool enough. Layer clothing to make it
easier for them to adjust their insulation, and use breathable materials to keep
them cool and dry.

There
are numerous modifications that can be made to tools, beds and equipment to
make it easier for older people to enjoy gardening, even if their mobility is
starting to decline. Think about purchasing adaptive tools or modifying tools
with foam grips to make them easier to handle. Paving areas of grass can make
it easier to get around with a walking frame or wheelchair, and raising flower
beds or planting vertically with hanging baskets and trellises can help those
who find bending and kneeling a problem.

Gardening at our care home

One of the first
things you notice when you arrive at our care home are the beautiful, extensive
gardens we have here. Although our gardens are professionally landscaped, we
also provide facilities for our residents to help out with the planting,
weeding and pruning. They love being able to continue their gardening hobby when
they move in with us, and to see the fruits of their labour in our colourful
flower beds all year round. If your loved one loves to garden, we’ll help them
to continue enjoying their hobby in a safe, comfortable way.